Thousands Rally Against Artificial Ingredients in Kellogg’s Cereals

In Battle Creek, Michigan, recent protests against the use of artificial food dyes and preservatives in cereal culminated in a rally and march outside Kellogg‘s headquarters. The event witnessed participation from numerous attendees, including children, who conveyed their concerns through chants and signs.

The participants gathered at Friendship Park at 10:30 a.m. to listen to a series of speeches before marching to the headquarters of the cereal giant, Kellogg’s. According to organizers, the protest aimed to deliver more than 417,000 signatures demanding change. The initiative was spearheaded by author and food activist Vani Hari, known as “Food Babe,” who launched a nationwide petition urging Kellogg’s to eliminate artificial dyes and the preservative BHT from their U.S. cereal products.

Hari argued, “American food companies are knowingly using ingredients here in this country that they removed abroad due to stricter regulations and to avoid warning labels. This isn’t just about ingredients; this is a moral issue. It is unethical, and it needs to stop.” Her speech served as a rallying call to the crowd, emphasizing the unprecedented size of the petition against the food industry.

As the march proceeded toward the Kellogg’s premises, the chants of “let us in” and “no more dyes” grew louder. However, upon their arrival, corporate security refused entry to Hari and a few others, although they agreed to forward the boxes of signatures to the company’s leadership. In response, the children in attendance took the lead in chanting slogans, including “shame on you” and “do what’s right,” before concluding with a rendition of the “Star-Spangled Banner.”

Hari expressed her disappointment, stating in a livestream, “From this point forward, no American should buy Kellogg products. They could have been the hero today, they could have done what they’re doing in virtually every other country… I hope these petitions continue to grow, we’re not going to stop… and we’re going to lead the boycott on Kellogg.”

In a statement to the Battle Creek Enquirer, Kellogg’s responded, “We respect the right for all to express their opinions and received the petition from Ms. Hari, which we will review and share with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the government body that regulates the use of these ingredients.”

The company emphasized that the quality and safety of its food products remain its top priority, stating, “Our products – and the ingredients we use to make them – are compliant with all applicable relevant laws and regulations, and we remain committed to transparently labeling our ingredients so consumers can easily make choices about the food they purchase.”

Kellogg further mentioned that over 85 percent of their cereal currently sold does not contain colors from artificial sources, and the company is actively developing new cereals free from such additives to meet changing consumer preferences.